Child-resistant/non-child-resistant closure

Abstract

A child-resistant/non-child-resistant dual function double cap closure with incorporated means for over-ride of conventional normally disengaged torque couplings includes a hole formed in the top surface of the outer cap, a formed plug having a locking protuberance and removal ring, and a plurality of spaced stop lugs formed annularly on the top surface of the inner cap. The free and separate movement of the outer cap is prevented in either direction of rotation by the plug's insertion into the hole of the outer cap as to place the base of the plug in the space between the stop lugs of the inner cap rendering the cap non-child-resistant at the time of consumer purchase. The consumer may use the cap in a non-child-resistant mode or remove the plug thus converting the cap to a child-resistant mode.

I claim: 
     
       1. A child-resistant/non-child-resistant closure for containers having an exterior male threaded portion comprising, in combination: An inner cap member having the interior of its depending sidewalls formed with female threads adapted to be threaded onto said container portion, with an integrally formed circular top panel having a plurality of spaced-apart stop lugs projecting vertically upward; an outer cap member with depending sidewalls and an integrally formed top panel embodying a formed hole superimposed in the same radial arc as said plurality of spaced-apart stop lugs, said outer cap loosely encompassing said inner cap; an integrally formed plug for insertion into said hole of the outer cap member to place the base of said plug in space between said stop lugs of the inner cap member, to engage said stop lugs to drive said inner and outer cap members as a unit when torque is applied in either direction of rotation to the other cap member rendering the closure non-child-resistant; said plug for removal from said hole in the outer cap member disengaging the inner and outer cap members to allow the outer cap member free and separate rotation rendering the closure child-resistant. 
     
     
       2. A closure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said closure may operate as either child-resistant or non-child-resistant. 
     
     
       3. The closure of claim 1, wherein said hole is formed to accept said plug. 
     
     
       4. The closure of claim 1, wherein said hole is centrally located of any other torque coupling mechanisms. 
     
     
       5. The closure of claim 1, wherein said plug is formed of a plastic material. 
     
     
       6. The closure of claim 1, wherein said plug is provided with an integrally formed locking protuberance and top. 
     
     
       7. The closure of claim 6, further including an integrally formed tab and removal ring on said top. 
     
     
       8. The closure of claim 1, wherein said plug is held in a tight and rigid vertical alignment through said hole in outer cap member by constant pressure exerted by plug top and locking protuberance.